I’m a self-described procrastinator, forever delaying that next project and surrounded by the entrails of those I started but never fully gave life. Those South Bank Projects keep piling up, compound the delays as I ponder why I have so much trouble maintaining my focus. The anxiety becomes the reason for a further delay and could overwhelm me if I do not work against it positively. Psychologists attribute the cause to numerous causes but generally link the ‘condition’ to low self esteem and a self-defeating mentality.[1] While severe cases probably require the assistance of a professional psychologist, for most us the reality is hopeless and the methods for improvement abound.

My own epiphany came as I read a biography of the world’s first true scientist, Leonardo da Vinci. Despite his genius and talent, da Vinci is almost as famous for his inability to complete commissioned works as for the art and science he left behind. During a visit to the Uffizi Gallery in Florence, I realised Leonardo’s true self is best captured by the ‘Adoration of Magi‘ (1481), an unfinished commission left behind when he moved to Milan in 1482. Leonardo the dreamer, easily distracted by every new thought or his realpassions such as manned flight, and  always came between the man and the ultimate success he craved. That Leonardo could successfully operate in fields as disparate as painting and engineering are a testament to his intellect but to seek perfection in every task is to find disappointment in every outcome. In the end, Leonardo’s Codex left humanity a wealth of knowledge, only recognised in modern times for their potential, but he could only pray that those entrusted with his legacy would continue the journey to enlightenment.

In Leonardo I see myself, enthused by new technology or the desire to paint, only to relinquish the dream when the next study presents itself or my core passions reassert themselves. For me, procrastination is being overwhelmed by the myriad of tasks and studies that I seek to complete while my true dreams and goals lay fallow on the South Bank of my life.

Having recognised the problem, how do we resolve the anxiety, remove the clutter and focus on the important tasks that will develop into a vibrant South Bank.

Understand that exploration of new fields of en devour can help you attain your main goals and can be abandoned once they serve their purpose without guilt or remorse. For example, Renaissance artists performed detailed studies of the human body but most sought only sufficient knowledge to enable their subjects to live on the canvas. Their needs satisfied, attention turned elsewhere in the pursuit of their enduring goals. Give yourself permission to explore a new field but limit your investment, both in dollars and psychologically, until you determine its worth to your life and the completion of those South Bank Projects. On London’s South Bank, businesses fail, street artists move to Paris, patronage declines and so it will be on your South Bank but the overall vibrancy remains because the core businesses are well maintained and fed by the society around them.

Today’s task: Determine the true, enduring passions in your life and establish your goal(s), eg Learn to fly an aircraft. (We’ll look at detailed goal setting latter.)

Leonardo da Vinci, Portrait in red chalk,  circa 1512 to 1515.

I have a loving wife, great kids and a successful career but I can never seem to finish those projects that I started last week. The project I saw in the Sunday paper or my favorite website, and said myself i have to try that. They surround me, robotics kits, unfinished articles, abandoned website designs and each unfinished project fuels my self image as a procrastinator. It reminds me of the South Bank area of London, a dreary area neglected over decades, run down but full of potential. Finally, Londoners recognised the potential and redeveloped the South Bank into valuable recreation area, street theatre, museums and cafes abound and we make it our home when in that great city. I began thinking of my life as the South Bank, forgotten and in disarray but full of potential of my South Bank Projects.

This year I’m taking charge of my time, before launching any new project I take a moment to understand what I expect to achieve, the cost, the time required to reach the finish. By understanding the goal, I can better execute my overall plan and discard the passing fancies to concentrate on the  South Bank Projects that will enhance my life and bring me the most satisfaction. Along the way, I hope to inspire other people to take charge of their life, and reap the rewards living your dreams rather than dreaming your life.

The first South Bank Project on my list is this blog.

Aim
Create and maintain a blog throughout 2007.
Goal
To inspire other people to take charge of their lives, and learn from their journeys.
Actions
Create the South Bank Projects blog at TypePad. [Complete]
Write two blog entries every week.
Respond to all emails and comments.

South Bank Projects is not just focussed on my journey, each week I will bring you information that you can use in your journey. We may be headed to different places but the road we travel is the same. I welcome your encouragement, ideas and comments.